ISO/IEC 17021: Conformity Assessment – Requirements for Bodies Providing Audit and Certification of Management Systems

ISO/IEC 17021 is a globally recognized standard that delineates the criteria for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems. It establishes the requirements that certification bodies must meet to demonstrate their competence, impartiality, and consistency in conducting audits and issuing certifications for various management systems.

This standard applies to certification bodies involved in auditing and certifying management systems in diverse fields, including quality management (ISO 9001), environmental management (ISO 14001), and information security management (ISO 27001), among others. ISO/IEC 17021 serves as a pivotal instrument in ensuring that certification processes are conducted with the utmost integrity, reliability, and adherence to established industry norms.

Compliance with ISO/IEC 17021 serves as a testament to the certification body’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality and professionalism in the certification process. It instills confidence in stakeholders and endorses the certification body’s capability to assess and certify management systems in accordance with globally accepted best practices.

Furthermore, ISO/IEC 17021 promotes a culture of continuous improvement within certification bodies, encouraging them to enhance their processes and practices. By aligning with this standard, certification bodies contribute to the overall enhancement of the credibility and effectiveness of management system certifications worldwide.